Class of 2003

Douglas, who graduated from Apex High School in 2003, competed in six sports while there: cross country, basketball, swimming, golf, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field. By his junior year, he focused on cross country, swimming, and indoor and outdoor track and field. During his final two years at Apex, Douglas earned six All-Conference awards, two each in cross country, swimming, and outdoor track and field. But more than anything, Douglas was built to run. During his senior season of 2002-2003, Douglas ran his way into the Apex record books. He earned runner of the year honors by winning the conference cross country meet in the fall and by winning the conference titles in the 800, 1600, and 3200 meter runs in the spring. He set five individual or relay school records that year, all of which still stand. Douglas won the state championship in the 800 meters that spring and finished seventh nationally in that event as well. For his efforts, he was selected as the News and Observer’s Track and Field Athlete of the Year in 2003 and was also chosen as the Male athlete of the year for Apex High School.

Upon graduation, Douglas continued his educational and athletic careers at Davidson College, where he continued to excel in running. While at Davidson, Douglas earned seven All-Conference awards and set school records in 6 events. As a senior, he earned the Most Valuable Track award in the Southern Conference Championships and was awarded the Thomas Sparrow Award — the highest academic and athletic recognition that Davidson awards. Douglas continues to serve his community as a partner in the Howard Stallings Law Firm and through his work in several charitable foundations.

Perhaps his most fitting service comes through his work on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Chapter of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), work that Douglas does to honor Eddie Rabenda, a good friend and classmate who was stricken with ALS and passed away several years ago. His best memory of Apex, however, is sharing the common thread of arguing over who was the best Apex runner in the Noreen house, as both of his brothers, Bradley and Bryan, were great runners in their own right.